Ruddygore laughed. And why not? When they see the attributes of both of you, you will be the sex idols of Husaquahr.
But I have no godlike power, and Tiana can't use hers, he pointed out. And you're expecting us to rule a country directly and a church that goes out who knows how far?
There will be little trouble there. First of all, your new high priest will handle the mundane magical chores and advice, accompanied by his faithful band of adepts and hangers-on. And, because the potential for this is so fascinating, there will be a backup. A simple microcomputer, I think, with a number of hard disks, should hold the basics. With some nice color graphics, of course, so you can see the spells and how they're formed when you punch them up. I'll bring one back when I drop off Esmilio.
But how will you plug it in? Joe asked him. And isn't that violating your own ideas on technology?
Ruddygore winked. The power source will be a new type of battery tapping a magical source. As you know, sometimes cheating on one's principles is necessary. Without doing so, we would now all be dead, at the mercy of the Baron's armies.
Ruddygore turned to Marge, whose expression was solemn. Don't look so glum, my dear!
Nothing in that bag of yours for me, is there, Mr. Wizard? she responded sadly.
Soon the inns will open, the shows will restart, and all will begin anew, he told her. You are Kauri, Marge, and that is a great responsibility, but also an important one. Fly, Marge, into the night skies! Play! Sing! Dance! The whole new world is at your feet, and you are truly-free to enjoy it!
She smiled and got up and walked over to them. I'll miss you all terribly, though.
But you can return any time, and there is always time for you, Joe told her. Always.
They hugged and kissed, and then Marge left. Going down a hall and seeing an open door, she walked in and climbed up on the window. The sun was bright, and she lowered her goggles to keep the sleep away, then leaped out into the cool sky.
Back in the apartment, Joe sighed. Will we ever see her again for real, I wonder? He leaned over to Tiana and kissed her. I know and I'm sorry, but we were pretty close.
She kissed him back. I understand.
Ruddygore grinned broadly and got up. Well, Poquah, it's about time we saw what they've done to our old home. But we'll be back, children, rather quickly. Until then, don't worry about any problems coming about. Everybody here will obey every order the Goddess gives. He sighed, yawned, stretched, and made for the door, then turned back to the couple.
Don't worry about not seeing Marge again, he told them. The Rules still hold.
Tiana looked puzzled, but Joe smiled softly, and that smile turned into a big grin.
Yeah, that's right, isn't it? We've got at least one more great adventure left, haven't we?
Oh, yes, yes. At least, agreed Throckmorton P. Ruddygore.
About The Author
JACK L. CHALKER was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on December 17, 1944, but was raised and has spent most of his life in Baltimore, Maryland. He learned to read almost from the moment of entering school, and by working odd jobs amassed a large book collection by the time he was in junior high school, a collection now too large for containment in his quarters. Science fiction, history, and geography all fascinated him early on, interests that continue.
Chalker joined the Washington Science Fiction Association in 1958 and began publishing an amateur SF journal, Mirage, in 1960. After high school he decided to be a trial lawyer, but money problems and the lack of a firm caused him to switch to teaching. He holds bachelor degrees in history and English, and an M.L.A. from Johns Hopkins University. He taught history and geography in the Baltimore public schools between 1966 and 1978, and now makes his living as a freelance writer. Additionally, out of the amateur journals he founded a publishing house. The Mirage Press, Ltd., devoted to nonfiction and bibliographic works on science fiction and fantasy. This company has produced more than twenty books in the last nine years. His hobbies include esoteric audio, travel, working on science-fiction convention committees, and guest lecturing on SF to institutions such as the Smithsonian. He is an active conservationist and National Parks supporter, and he has an intense love of ferryboats, with the avowed goal of riding every ferry in the world. In fact, in 1978 he was married to Eva Whitley on an ancient ferryboat in mid-river. They live in the Catoctin Mountain region of western Maryland with their son David.
Demons of the Dancing Gods Page 30